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University of Malta Faculty for Social Wellbeing Department of Gender Studies

DISSERTATION GUIDELINES Master of Gender Studies

2014- 2017

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Introduction

M ,

Students may contact the Dissertations Coordinator, Dr Marceline Naudi on

marceline.naudi@um.edu.mt for any clarifications or help they might need throughout the

whole process.

February 2015

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CONTENTS PAGE

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 2

CONTENTS PAGE ............................................................................................................. 3

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. 6

LIST OF USEFUL LINKS .................................................................................................. 7

PART 1: GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A DISSERTATION ...................................... 8 1.0 CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 8

2.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................... 9

3.0 DISSERTATIONS PANEL ..................................................................................... 9

4.0 CHOICE OF TOPIC ............................................................................................... 9

5.0 DATELINES ......................................................................................................... 10

6.0 SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................... 10

7.0 SUPERVISORS’ OBJECTIVES .......................................................................... 11

8.0 SUBMISSION DATE ........................................................................................... 12

9.0 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE............................................................................. 12

10.0 PRESENTATION OF FINISHED WORK ................................................... 12

11.0 A WORD ON PLAGIARISM ....................................................................... 13

PART 2: STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL ....................................... 13

2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 13

2.2 The Research Proposal ....................................................................................... 14 i) INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 15

AREA OF STUDY .......................................................................................................... 15

BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 15

AIMS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ............................................................ 16

ii) RESEARCH QUESTION OR HYPOTHESIS OR RESEARCH PURPOSE ...... 16

iii) THE LITERATURE ............................................................................................. 16

iv) RESEARCH PLAN .............................................................................................. 16

Design – strategy and framework ................................................................................ 16

Sampling / Research Participants (when applicable) ................................................... 16

Method of data collection ............................................................................................ 17

v) STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS OF STUDY ............................................. 17

vi) ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................... 17

Before submitting the proposal: ....................................................................................... 17

1. REVIEW THE PROPOSAL ................................................................................. 17

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PART 3: SOME NOTES ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE FORMAT OF YOUR

DISSERTATION ............................................................................................................... 18

3.1 The Abstract ................................................................................................................. 18

3.2 Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 18

3.3 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 18

3.4 Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 18

3.5 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 19

3.6 Findings ......................................................................................................................... 19

3.7 Analysis & Discussion .................................................................................................. 20

3.8 Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................... 20

3.9 References ..................................................................................................................... 20

3.10 Appendices .................................................................................................................. 20

3.11 Some Variations depending on Dissertation Type: ................................................ 20

PART 4: SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................. 24

4.1 Presentation Layout ..................................................................................................... 24 Please refer to the Step-by-step guide to create a user friendly digitized dissertation

available on the University of Malta website in order to format the digitized copies of

your dissertation. .............................................................................................................. 24

4.1.1 General Text............................................................................................................ 24

4.1.2 Headings ................................................................................................................. 24

4.1.3 Long Quotations...................................................................................................... 24

4.1.4 Tables, Figures etc. ................................................................................................. 25

4.2 Typing and Proof Reading .......................................................................................... 25

4.3 Binding .......................................................................................................................... 25

PART 5 SOURCES FOR FURTHER READING ................................................... 25

APPENDIX 1 CHECKLIST OF ITEMS IN DISSERTATION ................................... 26

APPENDIX 2 PROTOTYPE OF TITLE PAGE AND INTRODUCTORY PAGES . 27 Title .................................................................................................... …………..27

Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 28

List of Tables ............................................................................................................... 28

List of Figures .............................................................................................................. 28

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List of Appendices ....................................................................................................... 28

APPENDIX 3 AREAS OF STUDY PROPOSED BY VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS

IN THE GENDER FIELD ................................................................................................ 29

APPENDIX 4 LIST OF SUPERVISORS ........................................................................ 30

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List of Abbreviations

APA American Psychological Association

GDS Department of Gender Studies

ECTS European Credit Transfer System

FSW Faculty for Social Wellbeing

UoM University of Malta

UREC University Research Ethics Committee

FREC Faculty Research Ethics Committee

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List of Useful Links

APA Style Guide http://apastyle.apa.org/

Data Protection Act

XXVI of 2001, as

amended by Act XXXI of

2002

http://www.dataprotection.gov.mt/

Library guidelines on the

digitised format of

dissertations

http://www.um.edu.mt/library/helpandsupport/guidesandtour

UREC Guidelines and

Proposal form

http://www.um.edu.mt/urec/gpropform

Principles of procedure

on the supervision of

Masters’ Dissertations

and Doctoral Theses

http://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/104274/Pro

cedures_for_Supervision_of_Masters_Dis.pdf

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PART 1: GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A DISSERTATION

1.0 CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

1.1 Candidates are to refer to the curriculum requirements of their degree course as

published in the regulations and description of study units. These are reproduced

below:

Regulations 7 – 8 – Dissertation

7. (1) Students shall be required to submit an individual

dissertation of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 words in

accordance with the guidelines issued by the Board of Studies.

(2) Work on the dissertation may be undertaken at any time during

the Course after approval of the research proposal. Each student

shall be assigned a supervisor who shall provide guidance and

advice on a regular basis during the period of study.

(3) A provisional title for the dissertation and a provisional

research proposal of approximately 300 words shall be submitted

at the time of application. The title for the dissertation and a

detailed research proposal outlining the proposed project and the

main questions to be addressed shall be submitted to the Board of

Studies for approval by not later than the end of the first semester.

8. (1) The Board shall appoint a Panel of Supervision for each

student, normally composed of three members as follows: the Dean

of the Faculty, or his/her delegate as Chairman, and two other

members, one of whom being the principal supervisor, provided

that when the Dean of the Faculty is the supervisor, s/he shall not

chair the panel.

(2) The Panel of Supervision shall follow, as it deems fit, the

progress of students throughout the Course, provided that it meets

at least twice a year to review such progress.

(3) Students shall be required to report to their supervisors at least

once every two months, and in addition as often as the supervisor

deems necessary.

(4) At the end of each semester of study, supervisors shall be

required to submit to the Panel of Supervision reports for the

students under their supervision. Students shall seek approval from

said Panel for any substantial modification in the title or content of

the dissertation.

(5) The Panels of Supervision shall periodically inform the Board,

in writing, on the general performance of each student. Such

reports may include a recommendation to either (a) extend the

period of study in order to enable the student to complete the

dissertation; or (b) terminate studies prematurely if the supervisor

deems this to be proper in the circumstances, provided that: (i) the

extension of the study period referred to in (a) shall be in

accordance with the provisions of the Principal Regulations; and

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(ii) the Board may not terminate studies prematurely according to

(b) until it has first given the student a chance to be heard.

1.2 A dissertation for the Master of Gender Studies is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.

2.0 PURPOSE

2.1 A dissertation consists of an investigation into a particular issue in gender studies. It

will place qualitatively different demands on the student than those arising from other

study-units. It requires from the student a sustained effort to identify an area of

investigation, review the literature, analyse concepts, compare alternative theories

and perspectives, support arguments by empirical data when appropriate, weigh and

assess evidence and draw up the final conclusions on the subject.

2.2 This exercise provides the student with an opportunity to examine a selected area in

depth and to understand the relationship between theory, empirical research and/or

practice.

3.0 DISSERTATIONS PANEL

The panel shall:

a) approve the topic for the dissertation

b) recommend the appointment of a tutor to act as supervisor

c) propose assessors

All recommendations of the Dissertations Panel are subject to the endorsement of the

Faculty Board.

4.0 CHOICE OF TOPIC

4.1 The topic must relate to a significant substantive issue in gender studies.

4.2 Before making a choice of topic students are expected to seek advice from a tutor.

They may refer to the academic staff’s areas of research interest (Appendix 4) and

may also consult Appendix 3 which provides lists of topics from various stakeholders

in the gender sector.

4.3 The student is to first submit an Master of Gender Studies Dissertation Proposal

Form with the proposed subject matter to be researched and a preliminary research

question and purpose, together with the suggested name of a tutor who might be

available to act as their supervisor (see the List of Supervisors in Appendix 4. If the

student would like to propose a supervisor who is not listed in Appendix 4, they

should first discuss this with the Dissertation Coordinator).

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4.4 The student is to submit a written proposal, following the guidelines as indicated in

Part 2 of this booklet. Together with this, the student is to submit a copy of the

University Research Ethics Committee form in line with UREC’s guidelines.

4.5 The Dissertation Panel may not accept a proposal on the grounds of insufficient

relevance to gender or unsatisfactory supervisory arrangements, amongst other

reasons. It may also request minor or substantial revisions.

5.0 DATELINES

5.1 The form “Master of Gender Studies Dissertation Proposal Form” completed by

the student and endorsed by the proposed supervisor must be submitted by Thursday

30th

April 2015.

5.2 A draft proposal countersigned by the supervisor must be submitted by Thursday

30th

July 2015. Together with this, students are to submit a DRAFT copy of the

UREC proposal form (which will be submitted after title and proposal have

been approved in November). This form will need to go through the FREC and

once vetted, to UREC.

5.3 Feedback regarding draft proposal will be given to students by the Thursday 17th

September 2015.

5.4 The Gender Studies Dissertations Panel will be organising a seminar in mid-October

2015 (date to be confirmed) for supervisors and students in which each student will

deliver a ten minute presentation on their draft proposal and discuss it with the other

supervisors and students.

5.5 Feedback from the Dissertations Panel and the seminar must be incorporated and

submitted for final approval.

5.6 All students will be required to register their working title and final proposal by

Thursday 12th

November 2015. This must be signed and approved by the

supervisor.

5.7 Following the final approval by the Dissertations Panel, students should submit the

UREC proposal form to FREC.

6.0 SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS

6.1 The Dissertations Panel shall recommend the appointment of a supervisor for each

student whose topic has been approved.

6.2 The Dissertations Panel shall receive reports from supervisors and review individual

arrangements as necessary.

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6.3 Supervisors are normally appointed from among members of the University staff.

Whenever necessary, the Dissertations Panel can appoint a person who is not a

University staff member to act as supervisor.

6.4 Students should arrange to meet their supervisor on a regular basis (face to face or

via skype etc). It is also advisable to start writing as soon as possible. Do not

worry if you feel that your material is not good enough, as almost all early material

is weak at the beginning. Starting to write at an early stage will enable your

supervisor to see what direction your work is taking, where your weaknesses are

and give you constructive advice and feedback.

6.5 A student may request the Dissertations Panel to review the supervision of his/her

dissertation in the light of developments. Such a request must be endorsed by the

supervisor unless it is a change of supervisor that is being requested.

7.0 SUPERVISORS’ OBJECTIVES

7.1 Supervisors shall guide and assist students in all the phases of the dissertation. The

supervisor shall tutor the student’s work and keep records of the student’s progress.

Records of meetings held between student and supervisor(s) shall be sent on a regular

basis to the Dissertations Coordinator on the form provided. The student is expected

to request appointments for meetings with the supervisor. Students and supervisors

are requested to refer to the Principles of procedure on the supervision of Masters’

Dissertations and Doctoral Theses published by Senate which must be adopted by

supervisors when supervising Masters’ dissertations. These can be downloaded

from:

https://secure.um.edu.mt/data/assets/pdf_file/0018/104274/Procedures_for_Supervisi

on_of_Masters_Dis.pdf

In more particular terms, supervisors will be mostly involved as follows:

7.1.1 Proposal Stage

The supervisor shall:

- help the student to formulate the detailed research proposal;

- ensure that the research exercise is do-able in terms of the content, research

methodology and time frame available.

- guide the student in the process of selecting the appropriate type of dissertation for

the topic to be studied.

7.1.2 Research and Writing Stage

The supervisor shall advise and guide the student’s research and shall normally:

- provide regular meetings with the student (It is the student’s responsibility to seek

advice, make appointments and meet deadlines);

- help the student create time-frames and deadlines for the presentation of work done;

- recommend sources of literature related to the topic;

- correct submitted work and give feedback to the student in good time;

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- inform the Dissertations Panel if any major difficulty occurs which might affect the

student’s ability to present the dissertation according to established procedures (e.g.

student’s problems of health, supervisor’s long-term leave of absence, etc.);

- ensure that the dissertation is presented in an organic fashion. The structure should

be explained at the beginning and sections should be labelled clearly and

meaningfully;

- provide progress reports to the Dissertations Panel if and when requested.

7.2 Any student who is dissatisfied with the supervision provided or who wishes a

change of supervisor and/or topic should consult the Chair of the Dissertations Panel.

8.0 SUBMISSION DATE

8.1 Dissertations for the Master of Gender Studies must be submitted by end of April

2017 (date to be confirmed). No dissertation will be accepted after the set deadline.

9.0 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

9.1 A Board of Examiners for each student shall be appointed by Senate. The Head of the

Department or his/her delegate shall be appointed Chair of the Board of Examiners.

9.2 The dissertation will be assessed by two examiners and an external examiner

nominated by the Faculty Board, on the advice of the Dissertations Coordinator and

the Head of Department of Gender Studies. They will evaluate the work of the

student independently, write separate reports and propose a grade for consideration

by the Board of Examiners.

9.3 The Board of Examiners is responsible for awarding the assessment grade to each

dissertation so as to ensure comparability of standards.

9.4 The Board of Examiners may require students to defend their dissertation in a viva

voce.

9.5 In accordance with the University Assessment Regulations 2009 (Clause 21 (1))

“External Examiners, normally non-visiting, shall be appointed for the examination

of any postgraduate dissertation, to which 30 ECTS credits or more are assigned.”

10.0 PRESENTATION OF FINISHED WORK

10.1 All students must submit 4 copies of their finished work. These are to be submitted

in a semi-permanent format (spiral binding). A draft turnitin and a final turnitin will

also be opened for submission.

10.1.1 All students must also submit 1 soft (PDF) copy of their dissertation to the

Departmental Administrator. Please follow the Library guidelines on the digitized

format of dissertations. http://www.um.edu.mt/library/helpandsupport.

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10.1.2 Following the examination phase, students are to present two hard bound copies

(one to be kept by the Department and one to be given to the supervisor) and 1 soft

(PDF) copy to the Departmental Administrator by mid-July 2017 (date to be

confirmed), in line with the guidelines provided by the Library of the University of

Malta.

10.2 The supervisor will signify formally in writing that s/he knows that the student is

submitting the work for examination by the Board of Examiners.

10.3 Dissertations should have the following format:

10.3.1 Length: Dissertations should be 35,000 – 40,000 words long, excluding references

and statistical data or tables attached in appendices.

10.3.2 Referencing: The American Psychological Association (APA) style of

referencing must be followed. (Publication Manual of the American Psychological

Association ®

, Sixth Edition, By American Psychological Association, July 2009).

10.4 Failure to comply with these rules, regarding formatting and length may

result in a reduced grade and mark being awarded.

11.0 A WORD ON PLAGIARISM

Students must acknowledge their sources, showing clearly which opinions and

findings are their own and which belong to others. When students present material as

if it were their own, without acknowledging their sources, they are plagiarising. The

University of Malta has mechanisms in place which will penalise plagiarism.

The University of Malta defines plagiarism as the unacknowledged use, as one's own,

of work of another person, whether or not such work has been published (University

of Malta, University Assessment Regulations, 2009, Clause 39, 1 (b) (i)).

Students should familiarise themselves with the relevant Regulations of the

University of Malta, namely:

University Assessment Regulations 2009

General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2008 These may be accessed through:

http://www.um.edu.mt/registrar/regulations/general

PART 2: STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

2.1 Introduction

There are generally two main types of dissertation for you to consider:

(a) a piece of empirical research, involving fieldwork;

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(b) a literature/theoretical-based study.

Empirical research is normally expected to include a literature review, while any

literature/theoretical-based studies in gender studies would be expected to reflect a strong

basis in research evidence.

Fieldwork, in the form of, for example, interviews, questionnaire enquiries and methodical

observation is considered to be normally essential for dissertations at Masters level.

However, dissertation projects can also be accepted, subject to carefully seeking the advice

of academic staff, if they involve other types of clear scholarly work. This could be

secondary analysis of already available data, systematic reviews, or the methodical analysis

of documents, possibly involving the elucidation of social processes and/ or of experiences

through the application, testing or development of theory.

Dissertations can vary in their focus of study. Dissertations can emphasise the

understanding and analysis of an area of need, experience, action, or issue, others focus on

interventions, policies or good practices in response to the latter, others on the concepts and

theoretical frameworks that help us understand, others on the values, skills, development

and training of persons and organisations that act or intervene in the relevant areas. They

may focus on the micro-, meso- or macro-level, or a combination. They very often map

landscapes, evaluate situations, needs, interventions and policies, may look at past, present

and/or future and are as a rule expected to make recommendations for improving situations

and/or further research, and possibly for the further development of theory. However, most

dissertations are a good combination of several of the above, applied to a particular issue or

area.

The most suitable type of dissertation and the most appropriate methodology/ies to address

the research question should be discussed with the supervisor. The aim should be to choose

a type and topic that reflects and develops the student’s grasp of gender issues, is

intellectually challenging yet feasible and through which the student makes a new

contribution to knowledge that is of a suitable level.

Completing a research proposal is a good start to setting out the conceptual framework of

your research. It is imperative that you write down a plan of how you conceptualise your

topic and the process by which you will research it, before you begin the research itself.

Having a clearly defined plan will save you much time and energy later.

Below is a common set of proposal headings which could be useful. You are encouraged

to use these guidelines; however there is room for variability in proposal format, to

reflect the variability in research approaches. These headings address the general

expectations one would have of proposals, but they are not necessarily the only sections or

headings, nor is their suggested order the only one that could be used.

2.2 THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The proposal is a master plan for the research study. The proposal should be extremely

focused and should help the Dissertations Panel understand the objectives, the research

question under study and the design, methodology and tools proposed for conducting the

research.

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The following questions could be asked by the student, depending on the nature of the

study, to guide in the drafting of the proposal:

What is the provisional title for the dissertation?

What are the main issues in this area of research?

Which issue is of most relevance and concern to me as a researcher?

What is the main research question or hypothesis?

What do pertinent and relevant references state about the area of research?

How much is already known about this area of study?

Which methodology best fits the type of research?

What would be an appropriate sample, sampling method, and sample size?

What would be an appropriate age range of participants?

How will the data be collected and analysed?

What ethical issues need to be considered?

Who will need to be contacted to get permission and consent to carry out the study?

What documentation is needed for ethical considerations and permission to carry

out the research?

What is the timeframe of the study?

RESEARCH PROPOSAL SECTION HEADINGS

i. Introduction including:

Area of study

Background

Aims and significance of the study

ii. Research question or research purpose or research hypothesis

iii. The literature

iv. Research plan

v. Limitations and strengths of the study

vi. Ethical considerations including:

Consent, access and participants’ protection

vii. References

i) INTRODUCTION

AREA OF STUDY

This is a working title only and is to be based on the proposal that you are submitting.

Please note that a final title will only be requested at a later, more advanced stage of your

work.

BACKGROUND

What do I want to study?

What knowledge do I have? – You should demonstrate the depth of your knowledge

about the research area and indicate that you have spent time reading around the issue.

What have I looked up?

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Legislation/reform in Parliament?

Will it: address../ challenge../ test../ explore../ examine../ analyse../ compare../

discover../ propose../ create../ measure../ evaluate.. ?

How will it contribute to current understanding?

AIMS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Aims listed concisely and logically

Why am I proposing this study?

Why is it important at this point in time?

Who will directly benefit from my work?

Importance of work/excitement about results

ii) RESEARCH QUESTION OR HYPOTHESIS OR RESEARCH PURPOSE

Following a comprehensive review of research material related to your topic, you should

develop a definite research question/research hypothesis or research purpose that the

research study will attempt to answer. The research question/purpose or hypothesis is

the most important part of the proposal given that it determines the methodology that

should be applied and it is indicative of whether or not the proposed study is doable.

You should be able to present your research question/purpose in one concise

statement.

iii) THE LITERATURE

The review of the literature, at this point, should be extensive and should be attached

to the proposal as an appendix. This will demonstrate that you have read well and

extensively around the area of study chosen, and will also show that you are skilled in

presenting a concise and focused study of the literature. The review attached to the

proposal should be around 2,000 words in length. The supervisor will have read and

seen the Literature Review prior to submission. Please note that this is not the FULL

literature review that you should have in your dissertation. It can also be helpful for the

headings of proposed chapters to be included, together with a brief synopsis of what you

intend to include in each chapter.

iv) RESEARCH PLAN

Design – strategy and framework

What type? Literature type/investigative type/project type?

What method? Quantitative/qualitative/combination of approaches

Why is it the most satisfactory choice?

Brief description of methodology and research method

Outline of steps in research process

Sampling / Research Participants (when applicable)

Define population and sample / research participants

How will the sample /research participants be chosen? – what procedure will be

used/why is it the best procedure?

How is it relevant to the study aims?

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How do I propose gaining access to the population group? Make sure you have

negotiated access to the respondents, prior to submitting your draft proposal

(details will be explained during meeting).

Method of data collection

Discuss chosen method of data collection

How will I gather the required information?

Interviews/surveys/observations/secondary analysis/content analysis

Method of data analysis

How will the data be analysed?

Quantitative proposals should indicate the statistical procedures proposed.

Qualitative proposals need to show how the data will be analysed.

v) STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS OF STUDY

What are the limiting conditions or restrictive weaknesses of the study?

Unavoidable in the study design.

Nonetheless argue for the importance of the work.

How do I propose to minimise these limitations?

What are the strengths of the study?

vi) ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

How will I meet the ethical criteria for research?

Autonomy/self determination (includes informed consent and confidentiality; the right

to privacy; the right to withdraw from the process at any stage; the right to refuse to

answer questions at any time;)

Non-maleficence (not doing harm)

Beneficence (doing good)

Justice (are the purposes just?)

Positive contribution to knowledge

Before submitting the proposal:

1. REVIEW THE PROPOSAL

- stick to the word limit of 1,200 words

- make sure it is not repetitive

- be clear / comprehensive / succinct (concise, compact)

- check typing errors

- include a 2,000 word literature review, seen by supervisor, attached to proposal

- proposal to be signed by student and supervisor

2. CAREFULLY FILL IN AND ATTACH THE UREC FORM

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PART 3: SOME NOTES ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE FORMAT OF YOUR

DISSERTATION

Below is a typical outline of the format that a dissertation should have in its final

presentation. Obviously, consultation with your supervisor for more specific advice is

always recommended. This will also change according to the TYPE of dissertation you

are writing (see 3.11 below).

3.1 The Abstract

The abstract is written last and appears first! It is the brief summary, which heads your

dissertation. In about 350 – 500 words, you must summarise the aims of your study, the

design and methodology, and – importantly – the key results and findings.

It is imperative that the abstract be written in clear and concise terms, which motivate

people to read further. It should therefore answer the following questions:

What does this research set out to do and why?

How did it seek to do it?

What are the general findings?

What do these suggest?

What conclusions are reached?

What are the implications of these?

3.2 Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements are an optional extra for your dissertation report. They usually appear

at the beginning of the dissertation, as a separate section after the abstract. They should

thank others for their contribution to the work and usually refer to your academic

supervisor and people who participated in the fieldwork, and other people who may have

provided support while you were working on your dissertation.

3.3 Introduction

Most of your work for this section you have already completed in your original research

proposal.

The tasks of this section are as follows:

Explain the context of your research

Show why it is important and how it is relevant to theory practice, policy or social

issues

Set out the broad aims of the study

Define the research questions and concepts

Demonstrate how and why you made the decisions you did

3.4 Literature Review

In a dissertation you are expected to provide a critical review of the existing literature

(published and unpublished) on the topic being studied. The literature search is

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summarised and presented as an argument, which leads up to and justifies the approach that

you have taken.

You must demonstrate that you have read widely and understood the major debates in the

literature, the research approaches that have been tried, and the gaps that exist.

Divide the literature review into themes or issues that are related to the issue and questions

in your study, and use this structure to justify the approach you have taken. Be critical of

what you have read especially if you detect biases or flaws in other studies that influence

the results and/or conclusions.

The literature review should be relevant and up-to-date – recent literature is recommended

unless you are referring to classical works in your study.

3.5 Methodology

This is the second major section of your dissertation. Again, much of this has been

completed in your proposal. The different areas that need to be covered could be

distinguished by subheadings:

Design – a summary/overview of how your methodology addresses the research

questions. Usually it begins broadly (qualitative/ quantitative) and then narrows down

to whom or what you are going to research and what kind of research techniques you

will use.

Population and sample/research participants – Report who the population is that you are

researching, how you drew the sample (here acknowledge any limitations in the

sampling process) and so on.

Instrumentation – Describe the questionnaire or interview schedule that you used (this

also needs to be included as an appendix). Describe how you developed the instrument.

Data collection – Describe how the data were collected, including how you negotiated

access, where you collected it from, how long it took and any difficulties you had in

doing this and how you overcame them.

Ethical issues, limitations and strengths of methodology – include a brief description of

any ethical issues you anticipated in the research process and how you dealt with this

aspect.

Data analysis – how did you analyse your data. Provide the reader with a “map” of how

to read the results you are about to present, and an explanation of how you arrived at

them.

3.6 Findings

Think of subheadings which relate to the major themes in your findings.

Present a description of the people or institutions in the research (the sample)

You do not have to include all your results when you report your findings

Extract the findings that directly focus on the relevant issue

Either explain your findings simply in words, or if necessary use tables

Report your findings with little comment (this is left for the “Discussion” section)

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Arrange your findings in a sequence, using logic or the order of the interview questions

so that the results tell a story.

3.7 Analysis and Discussion

This is the section where results are summarised, explained and interpreted.

Conduct the discussion in the light of the issues identified in the literature search

Highlight the contribution of your own results to these debates

Try to explain any differences between your findings and others you read about/ discuss

similarities

Make sure your discussion and interpretation are supported by evidence from your

research

Discuss implications of findings for current practice, policy and/or theory

Discuss limitations and suggestions for further research

3.8 Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusions must refocus the issue

They must be justified in the light of your research design and the limitations of your

study

They must remind the reader about directions for future research

Follow this with a list of recommendations

Recommendations may be about practice issues, policy matters, changes to existing

legislation, etc.

3.9 References

Include an alphabetical list of the references, books, articles and other sources of

information that you cited in the dissertation

Consistency and attention to detail is very important

Use the APA or Harvard system of referencing

Every source that you cite in your dissertation must be accurately referenced in this

section

3.10 Appendices

These are additional sections that may include:

The original questionnaire or interview schedule

Copies of letters

Details about sampling and other procedural matters

Extra data which assist in the argument about the research

3.11 Some variations depending on dissertation type:

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1. Literature based study

Chapter Standard components

1. Introduction Purpose of research

Significance of research and what has led you to choose

this subject

Research question

Description of the dissertation’s structure

2. Context Presentation of the theoretical framework

An account of context related to the research. This may

include an account of the historical/socio-political/cultural

context or biographical details

3. Major contribution Outline and discussion of major concepts/issues raised

through the research question

4. Application to the context Exploration of major concepts/issues in particular contexts

Discussion of implementation of suggested strategies

5. Conclusions Summary of key issues, arguments and suggestions

Limitations

Conclusions

References List of all documents and sources referred to in the main

text

Page 22

2. Investigative style

Chapter Standard components

1. Introduction Purpose of research

Statement of the research issues

2. Literature Review Compiling current academic research

Primary and secondary sources indicated clearly

Building a research argument for the study

Statement of the research questions

3. Methodology Choice of methodology supported by literature

Method (qualitative and/or qualitative)

Research design

Sample

Research tools

Collection of data

System of analysis

Limitations of the study

Ethical issues

4. Results Comprehensive presentation of findings

Text supported by clear and accurate graphical/tabular

representations where applicable

5. Discussion Results analysed in the light of existing literature

Realistic and insightful interpretation of results

6. Conclusions Summary of key results

Limitations

Linked and feasible recommendations (including

recommendations for further study)

References List of all documents and sources referred to in the main

text

3. Designing of Programmes

Chapter Standard components

1. Introduction Purpose of project being proposed

Statement of value of project

2. Literature Review Address the topic of the project and the relevant gender

issues

Critically review of current academic research and any

similar projects

Ensure that synthesis is linked with project design

3. Production Analysis of current resources

Design (including description/results of any form of needs

assessment or analysis…when planning a programme)

Implementation

Application to the field of gender studies

4. Trialing and Testing Methodology

Sample

Outcome of trials

Page 23

6. Conclusions Summary of key results

Limitations

Linked and feasible recommendations (including

recommendations for further study)

References List of all documents and sources referred to in the main

text

Page 24

PART 4: SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 Presentation Layout

Please refer to the Step-by-step guide to create a user friendly digitized dissertation

available on the University of Malta website in order to format the digitized copies of your

dissertation.

4.1.1 General Text

Text should be well spaced using one side of the page only

1.5 line spacing should be used

Font should be Times New Roman

Print size 12

Margins at least – 4.0 cm on the left margin

1.5 cm on the right margin

3.0 cm on the top margin

2.5 cm on the bottom margin

Page numbers Centred at the bottom of the page

Roman numbers (i, ii…) to be used from the first page

(excluding title page) until the main body of the text where

the Introduction starts on page 1

Justified Both left and right

Paragraphs No indentation

Start new paragraph after two returns

In-text emphasis – use italics or bold type-face

4.1.2 Headings

Print size 14

Bold type-face

Main headings in block capitals

Chapter headings on a NEW page (centred or on the left)

All other headings justified and followed by a single line space

Use subheadings together with a numbering system to give structure to your work

4.1.3 Long Quotations

Single line spacing

Indented left and right

Justified left and right

Must include author name, date and page number referring to the parent text

Must be preceded and followed by a line space

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4.1.4 Tables, figures etc.

Must be numbered

Must have a title and key underneath

4.2 Typing and proof reading

Always proofread your copies for good grammar and presentation before handing in your

work to your supervisor. Special attention should be made to the final presentation of your

dissertation.

Use software that can facilitate your work.

Be prepared for the unexpected such as disk failure, loss or corruption of hardware or

software and printer failure. Therefore use back up CDs or pendrives and always keep

updated hard copies of your work. Do not leave work until the last minute!!

4.3 Binding

The hardbound copy should have a black cover with gold lettering. It is your

responsibility to organise the binding and making sure copies are ready before the

submission date.

PART 5 SOURCES FOR FURTHER READING

Boden, R., Kenway, J. and Epstein, D. (2007). Getting Started on Research. London: Sage.

Creswell, J.W. (2012). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. Thousand Oaks, CA:Sage

Herbert, Martin (1997). Planning a Research Project

Graff, G. and C. Birkenstein, 2014, They Say, I Say, The Moves That Matter in Academic

Writing, Norton and Co: New York and London

Punch, Keith, F., (2005). Developing Effective Research Proposals Sage Publications

Weston, A. 2009, A Rulebook for Arguments, Hackett Publishing Company,

Indianapolis/Cambridge

Also consult references provided during the Research Methods in Gender Studies study-

unit.

Page 26

Appendix 1 Checklist of Items in Dissertation

1. Outside cover page

2. Inside cover page

3. Disclaimer

4. Acknowledgements

5. Table of Contents

6. Listing of Tables and Figures

7. Abstract

8. Introduction (include research rationale, and research questions)

9. Literature Review*

10. Methodology*

11. Findings*

12. Analysis and Discussion*

13. Conclusions and Recommendations

14. References

15. Appendices

*Change according to dissertation type or as discussed with supervisor.

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Appendix 2 Prototype of Title Page and Introductory Pages

Title

(Subtitle)

Student’s Name

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the

Master of Gender Studies

Department of Gender Studies

Faculty for Social Wellbeing

University Of Malta

May 2015

Page 28

Disclaimer

This is a statement to confirm that this dissertation 'Title' is solely the work of [student's

name].

Student's Signature: ____________

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Use Computer software programmes to set up your Table of Contents neatly, clearly and

more efficiently (use the library’s guidelines for digitized dissertations)

List of Tables

Table 1 (Title) pg

Table 2 (Title) pg

List of Figures

Figure 1 (Title) pg

Figure 2 (Title) pg

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 (Title) pg

Appendix 2 (Title) pg

.

Page 29

Appendix 3 Research topics proposed by various stakeholders

Attitudes towards gender non-conformity (among children; youth; parents;

educators;)

Gender as performance

Gender roles in same-sex headed households

Page 30

Appendix 4 List of Supervisors

Students are encouraged to choose a supervisor/co-supervisor from the list below. In the

eventuality of these persons not being further available for supervision or of a research

topic which is not covered by any person on this list, students may recommend another

suitably qualified person to act as supervisor/co-supervisor. This should be discussed with

the Dissertation Coordinator.

1. Dr JosAnn Cutajar - Poverty, social inequality, social exclusion, marginalization;

Gender and the labour market:, gender gap, pensions, lifelong learning; Gender, race

and ethnicity; Tourism and leisure; Media; Women and politics; Gender and social

policy; Postcolonial theories.

2. Dr Marceline Naudi – LGBTQI; violence against women; domestic violence;

looksism; ageing; gender in social work and social care; gender in race, ethnicity,

faith issues; and others

3. Dr Brenda Murphy - gendered places and spaces, the construction of identities of

various kinds, (national, gender, ethnic etc.), in and through consumption and

performances of consumption and spaces of consumption; also Masculinities,

Globalisation and "global cultural flows”, and post-colonialisation.; Media and

identity (gender portrayal, the body ideal, the male gaze etc), Cybercultures and

cyberspace, Gender and Social Media, Diaspora, identity, consumption &

advertising, and Media & Gender portrayal, representation and politic.

4. Dr Anne-Marie Callus – people with intellectual disability (especially but not

exclusively self-advocacy and empowerment) and cultural representations of disabled

people – gender issues within these

5. Dr Joanne Cassar - sexualities, sexuality education, sexual orientation; teenage

pregnancy; leisure; body image; the construction and implications of femininities and

masculinities.

6. Dr Sue Vella - gender and the long term care of the elderly; women, work and

welfare design; housing and lone parents; women, philanthropy and the development

of welfare states.

7. Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino - the intersection of gender and power, particularly as this

unfolds, and is/may be contested, in the sphere of work, industrial relations and

organizational life.

8. Dr Josette Farrugia - education with special reference to science education, gender

differences related to students' attitudes (to science), perceptions, performance,

choices.

9. Dr Maria Pisani – gender in relation to migration, asylum, race and ethnicity.

10. Dr Janet Mifsud - gender and health; gender and science; gender in voluntary

organisations

11. Dr Gillian Martin - the body, medical sociology as related to gender

Page 31

Record of Supervision Session

Research Student: signature __________________

Supervisor: _ _______signature __________________

Date of Supervision: __

1. What has been achieved since the last tutorial?

2. Summary of comments on work since last tutorial

3. What will be done by the student before the next tutorial?

4. What will be done by the supervisor?

Date of next tutorial:

One copy of this document will be kept by the supervisor and one by the research student.

Appendix 5: Relevant Forms